A century-old relic of South Carolina's history. The last one in the State.
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Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Artfully Meandering: Greer, SC
I am expanding on an idea spawned from My First Hong Kong-er-versary. I was re-reading the post as I was cleaning up my blog and cataloguing my Hong Kong adventures and liked the phrase, "Resident Adventurer." When we get used to living in a place, we forget to be adventurers. We stop looking around and stop seeing what is right under our nose.
I love where I live in South Carolina with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop and lovely foothills to meander through. I did a Resident Adventure tour of Greer today. The above is a floral arrangement from by Joy Felts at Greer Florist. She claims she is an amateur floral designer, but I love this sweet bouquet and took it on my Adventure today. I'll post a few pictures later, but just wanted to post the first result from today's little adventure
Monday, December 26, 2011
Artfully Meandering: This Little Chickadee is a Reformed Northerner
I grew up in Wisconsin. I am now a Reformed Northerner aka A Southerner. I was in Denver two weeks ago and went from 55 degrees in Greenville to 5 degrees in Denver. In a single day. This New Fangled Southerner's blood is too thin for this! I like southern winters. I believe snow should be viewed from the comfort of your home, with a roaring fire, and a mug of hot chocolate. I believe in snow days. This little chickie's blood thinned right out as soon as I hit Texas in 2000. I visit winter. I don't live in it anymore.
But, in spite of that, I am okay with visiting. For a little bit. Snow is purty. The Rockies are spectacular. And the hotel I'm staying at (Hotel Boulerado) is a throwback to the early 1900's. In fact it has one of the remaining original Otis elevators, still operated by a bellman. So cool. Yeehaw!
Also, this week of learning has made me realize I'm not as daft as I thought I was! I know I have a quirky mix of thoughts and bring an electic mix of skills (business and artistically) to the table. But, through this week, I'm finding there are other souls whose mind is in the space mine is at... and that there is hope! I've been noodling on the idea to combine my art and consulting business... or even using and leveraging my art business in the professional consulting world. Businesses are starting to recognize the need for a creative approach. What better experience to offer than that odd mix of change agent for a process and an artist who uses creative processes? Most creatives are bringing their business knowledge to the table. I'm thinking about bringing my creative knowledge to the business table. I'm going to experiment with this voice for a bit. I don't know where it will lead. I have slowed down in the jewelry making for a while this year. I've been struggling to re-establish in the US, and I found my usual inspiration taxed by a tough year.
So, I think the next year is going to be an experiment: seeing how an artistic approach and inform the new face of business as knowledge (aka creative) work. I'm in the process of thinking how the two can cross-pollinate...like an article on Agile for Artists and articles on Art for Agilists. Plus, I've had an idea for a journal I've been wanting for a long time. It's going to require stepping up my photography skills. If I get a day job, I'm going to work on my photography skills when it comes to florals. I loved the original Victoria magazine for it's floral photos. I never thought I was a big floral girl...my house is really decorated that way, nor do I wear them. But, I'm a sucker for the real thing.
My goals are to work on lighting. I'm adoring the color palettes other artists are doing like Design Seeds and BrandiGirlBlog. For the journal I have in mind in the long term, the floral photography is a theme of one version and the color palettes are just a piece of it. After the year, I'll gather up the photos and palettes into this journal I have in mind.
Along with the journal idea, I'll probably intersperse a little jewelry in there. I'm sticking with the Cotton collection. I'm thinking up another line that needs to be developed. But, I think that's all I can manage on the jewelry side for now. So, I'm scaling back a little bit and have some changes in the works for 2012. A new journey! Let's see where it goes!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Studio Time: Cotton Themed Jewelry Available!
In support of my fellow Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail, I am posting my cotton-themed jewelry on their e-commerce site. There are some fabulous artists that are part of the Cotton Trail in many mediums: painting, photography, ceramics, glass, to name a few. Very excited to be part of this group as I love local history.
Here is one of the pieces that has already found a new home Cotton Cascade:
A decadent cascade of patinaed Argentium Silver (.925) and glass beads for the chic, cosmopolitan woman with a sense of history… Necklace: Argentium Silver (.925) hand-made glass beads. Can be worn in a traditional style or clasped higher as a lariat style. 19”. Earrings: Argentium Silver (.925), and hand-made glass beads. 1”
Rambling Thoughts
I am working on launching a consulting business with my knowledge as "girl geek project manager." I'm a little nervous, but that is one of the projects taking up some of my time, handling the administrative setup, getting articles written, finding my voice, rounding out my training, etc. All the things needed for a good consultant.
Anyway, I was noodling on the subject of how a creative business and the particular project management framework I teach (called Agile) relate to each other. At first it seemed like Kanna Glass Studios and Kanna Consulting would be very different entities. However, as I have been researching and writing, I stumbled across the observation that knowledge work (a phrase coined by Peter Drucker) is creative work. The more I contemplate this correlation, the more it makes sense to me: knowledge work involves a lot of ideas, concepts, and thoughts before there is a tangible finished product. (Examples: a lot of programming takes place before there is useful software. A lot of discussion and ideas before a television ad can be run.) While it is not necessarily art, it does follow a creative process like art. So, I am figuring out how to blend my experiences as an artist into the consulting approach. I have often thought my artistic, creative side complemented what I offered in a traditional business environment. Now I want to explore this correlation a little deeper. I might mumble about these concepts from time to time...but I'll try not to be too boring. Just wanted to let you know where I've been lately, why, and throw some ideas out there...
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Artfully Meandering: I was getting a little worried...
As I wrote of often in Hong Kong, I would translate my clumsiness into an amusing story of life in Hong Kong. This year was just working like crazy and attempting to recover from the migraines caused by the pollution in Hong Kong.
Side note: I still miss HK A LOT. I watch movies and I'm horribly nostalgic. Yet, I love where I live...it is truly beautiful here. I mean, if this was in your back yard, how can you NOT be inspired? Oh, I seriously am.
But, I have had a dry spell on klutziness. It wasn't intentional. It has been a signature feature of my life for...well, all my life (my younger niece is following in my footsteps. Literally. Poor thing). But, I guess I have lengths of time where I can go and be relatively stable and un-klutzy. And lull people into thinking I'm a physically stable person, and able to walk with grace and elegance. Ooooh, little do they know...
But, I had a glimmer of the usual me on Tuesday. I treated myself to a Starbucks (I was on vacation...Starbucks = Vacation for me). I went through the drive-through and as I was handing my card to the barista, I didn't let him fully grasp the card and then I promptly dropped the card onto the driveway. I also had change in my hand for the tip and attempted to toss the tip into the jar. Missed that, too. The barista laughed and commented, "Batting 1000 today?" I grinned back, squeezed out of the door to pick up my credit card, and commented, "Yeah. I shouldn't have been let out of the house today. I'm a menace to my credit card. In more ways than one!"
Yep. I'm baaaccck!
Side note: I still miss HK A LOT. I watch movies and I'm horribly nostalgic. Yet, I love where I live...it is truly beautiful here. I mean, if this was in your back yard, how can you NOT be inspired? Oh, I seriously am.
But, I have had a dry spell on klutziness. It wasn't intentional. It has been a signature feature of my life for...well, all my life (my younger niece is following in my footsteps. Literally. Poor thing). But, I guess I have lengths of time where I can go and be relatively stable and un-klutzy. And lull people into thinking I'm a physically stable person, and able to walk with grace and elegance. Ooooh, little do they know...
But, I had a glimmer of the usual me on Tuesday. I treated myself to a Starbucks (I was on vacation...Starbucks = Vacation for me). I went through the drive-through and as I was handing my card to the barista, I didn't let him fully grasp the card and then I promptly dropped the card onto the driveway. I also had change in my hand for the tip and attempted to toss the tip into the jar. Missed that, too. The barista laughed and commented, "Batting 1000 today?" I grinned back, squeezed out of the door to pick up my credit card, and commented, "Yeah. I shouldn't have been let out of the house today. I'm a menace to my credit card. In more ways than one!"
Yep. I'm baaaccck!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Studio Time: Winter 2011 Earring Collection - Ice and Frost
Winter 2011 Earring Collection
"Ice and Frost"
Warm sweaters, sipping hot chocolate or hot cider, snuggling down into blankets next to a crackling fire. The Frost and Ice collection is a beautiful neutral collection of etched glass beads reminiscent of frost and ice paired with hand-formed Argentium (.925) silver. Perfect for a glittering winter event and neutral enough to wear year round.
I created a 12-piece collection of earrings for a winter show. I will be posting these earrings to my Artfire store. This collection will be available through December 15. Each piece will be made upon order, so allow at least 2-3 days for creation before being sent.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Studio News: Cotton Ready to Harvest
Cotton Ready to Harvest, originally uploaded by Kanna Glass Studios.
Okay, here is my news. When my family moved to South Carolina, I was fascinated that cotton was still a vital part of South Carolina's economy. It clothes, feeds, and even pays for things (our dollar bills are 75% cotton). I visited the Cotton Museum on Friday to do additional research on the subject of cotton.
AND! I was juried into the Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail! My mom does photography and had participated in an art show last year. She has been forwarding invitations to various art events in rural South Carolina and the Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail piqued my interest. So, I scrambled and put together a cotton-themed jewelry collection... in two days! I'm really excited because this was a juried selection. This is the first time I've had the guts to apply for anything where my work is judged. Although my heart is always in my jewelry, I was able to put this in perspective... I made up my mind beforehand that if I wasn't accepted, this was a great learning experience. But, I was accepted and all the practice that has come from writing a blog (marketing), developing my unique voice in jewelry, branding my work, learning to present my work... all of that has come together in a good way for me.
I'll be posting pieces from the collection that I presented over the next few days and then I'll be posting them for sale on the Buy PeeDee Arts SCCTA website. I will continue my OOAK pieces and other designs made available in my ArtFire (finished jewelry) and Etsy (bead) shops.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Studio Time: Cotton
Does look like a bowl of cotton bolls? Kinda? I was going for the cotton theme. The above bowl of glass beads is a teaser for what I have been working on. I will share more later ... I hope by the end of the week. :-)
Friday, September 30, 2011
Studio Time: Water Necklace
I continue to be enthralled with the colors of water and the many shades of blue and green (my favorite colors) that swirl through its depths. I used a swirl technique that I played with as a newbie glass artist, combining CiM Mermaid, CiM Peacock green and light transparent Effetre Aqua and formed it into a simple tube bead. I love its simplicity. I paired it with a hammered copper washer and copper chain plus some Amazonite faceted beads.
And yes, I am modeling my own jewelry. A bit. Not brave enough to do this often, but just popping to show you new work.
It's a long necklace...
And this is a picture of my little Molly recovering from surgery to remove skin cancer. She's doing well and the prognosis is good for her! (Sigh of relief.) She bounced back from this surgery like a puppy. It was actually work to keep her quiet the first few days. But she is doing well now. She says, "Woof!"
And yes, I am modeling my own jewelry. A bit. Not brave enough to do this often, but just popping to show you new work.
It's a long necklace...
And this is a picture of my little Molly recovering from surgery to remove skin cancer. She's doing well and the prognosis is good for her! (Sigh of relief.) She bounced back from this surgery like a puppy. It was actually work to keep her quiet the first few days. But she is doing well now. She says, "Woof!"
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Studio News: Lampwork Studio Short Tour
I have proper ventilation that doesn't show, but the fan is installed in the attic and it is quite powerful. So nice! The propane is stored right outside the window and comes in through a small hose. My kiln is across the room, but I like it that it forces me to get up for a few minutes to move around. I could just sit and torch for hours without a break...not good for ergonomics.
And Pottery Barn wine storage makes beautiful glass storage. I made a creative executive decision only to roughly separate colors. I don't want to get too attached to colors and keep pushing myself to expand and try different things with different colors.
And Pottery Barn wine storage makes beautiful glass storage. I made a creative executive decision only to roughly separate colors. I don't want to get too attached to colors and keep pushing myself to expand and try different things with different colors.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Studio News: My new lampwork studio has been initiated!
Ohhhhh my.... And I love it! What a pleasant environment to produce beads in. First beads in nearly two years. I did make a few on a Hothead torch, but once you go dual-fuel, it is sooo hard to go back to the slow, bushy flame of a Hothead. Good learning torch, but if you are serious about production, the dual fuel setup is a delight. I made all these beads last night in about an hour and practically filled my kiln. And the beads are still round! I expected lumpy beads after such a long hiatus, but these turned out pretty good! They are going to be a necklace for my niece.
Studio pix soon. I am nearly organized enough to show you the lampwork studio. I have a separate area for jewelry assembly. That one is messier and will take a little longer before it is ready for public viewing.
Studio pix soon. I am nearly organized enough to show you the lampwork studio. I have a separate area for jewelry assembly. That one is messier and will take a little longer before it is ready for public viewing.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Artfully Meandering: MIA Reason #2 - Home!
The second reason I've been MIA... a new home! This just kind of fell into my lap and I fell in love. I now have an official Lampwork Studio with appropriate ventilation and propane stored approriately outside.
I have a separate "studio" that is for assembling projects. Pictures to follow when the studios are organized. That's what took up the month of August. Beads soon to follow.
I have a separate "studio" that is for assembling projects. Pictures to follow when the studios are organized. That's what took up the month of August. Beads soon to follow.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Artfully Meandering: The MIA Excuse #1 - France
This is one of the reasons. I was in Clermont-Ferrand, France !!! for the month of July (for work).
I fell in love with France
I fell in love with Clermont-Ferrand
It's the French equivalent of where I live in South Carolina
Mountains, small city
Just my style
And, bonus!
France: the place where food is art
eating is an event
and everyone is educated in the "best of" food
fresh, unprocessed treats
simple combinations of flavors that make your mouth water
portions still significant
but the flavors make you pause, savor and adore the flavors
eating becomes an event
it's part of the culture
not a side-thought like "drive-through" culture
stop, eat, enjoy, refresh, rejuvenate through food and friends
I SOOOO could handle living in France for a while. I lost 5 lbs while dining on these outstanding, mouth-watering combinations of delectable food. Not only was I treated well, I'm in love with the food and the healthy style of living.
But, I'm enjoying living near my family (3 hours away).
We'll see what the future brings. I'm open!
MIA Reason #2: Next Post
MIA Reason #2: Next Post
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Studio News: Charms posted on Etsy (finally!)
I finally took the time to post my re-blooming charms on Etsy. Thanks for stopping by!
And a side note: thank you to Shaiha and ArtyBecca for stopping by and commenting. I've having trouble commenting on other people's posts for the moment, so I just wanted to send to send a thank you for stopping by and welcoming me back to blog world. I appreciate it very much!
And a side note: thank you to Shaiha and ArtyBecca for stopping by and commenting. I've having trouble commenting on other people's posts for the moment, so I just wanted to send to send a thank you for stopping by and welcoming me back to blog world. I appreciate it very much!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Artfully Meandering: I wish I were an outdoorsy girl...
Like this girl. I love her prose-try and poetry. I would love to be outdoorsy like that. Most of my inspiration is from the beautiful world around us.
But, I am Allergy Girl. (Picture red-nosed, red-rimmed eyes, and sensitive skin. If you must, you can add a cape, but no superpowers come with Allergy Girl except for sneezes that could blow a person away.) I have inherited "the best of" my parents allergies. From dad, I have been graced with all the pollen allergies. My mom, sinus and allergies to insects of all kinds.
Basic stories:
1) In my early twenties my hayfever and pollen allergies were at their height. I would sneeze my way through a box of family sized kleenex. (They started including lotion about this time...thank goodness, or I would be noseless to day.) These, have followed my dads pattern where we still have allergies, but not as severe as in our 20's.
2) I used to have a much worse reaction to mosquito bites. For example, on a camping trip in Alaska when I was 11, I had about 50 mosquito bites from Alaska sized mosquitos (that means they were the size of B-52 bombers) and welts to match. Weirdly, mosquitoes still cause an itch, but it's relatively minor compared to the way it used to be.
And now I live in the fertile south (legend has it that anything you plant will grow), I am inundated with all things pollen and mold. Also, the deep south is a bastion of all things poisonous (snakes, spiders).
I will sacrifice myself for the sake of art though.
This series of Firewheel photos taken in Texas were at the expense of my legs. I sacrificed them to a horde of chiggers. I spent maybe 30 minutes taking about 100 pictures from all angles of a patch of Firewheels. LOVE THESE WILDFLOWERS. Sadly, I had no clue I was standing in a wicked nest of them until the next day when I woke up with welts all over my legs. 300+. Yes. I counted. Because you need to dab a bit of nail polish or Chig-a-Rid on each bite to suffocate the little monsters that burrow into your skin. That was fun. (So not.) But, the photo results...well, the chigger bites are a distant memory and I LOVE the photo results. But, it does make me think twice about tromping off into the woods. Especially since we have copperheads. And water moccasins. And fire ants. And spiders. And alligators. Yeah, alligators. One of the places my parents camp has a sign before you cross a boardwalk across the swamp that says, "Don't feed the alligators." Um...if the boardwalk is the equivalent of an alligator smorgasboard, I'm thinking I'm going to avoid that boardwalk. I have no intention of feeding alligators.
And don't get me started on fire ants. Evil little beasts. They are actually NOT native to the southern US, but they are making their way north, bit by bit. They are actually native to Brazil and as they move north they decimate the local ant populations. And a single ant can bite you several times. The first time I was bit in Texas, my foot swelled abnormally. Each time I was bit, it was worse to the point that I was going to the ER for antibiotics and steriods as the reaction was close to cellulosis (skin infection that could become systemic). My sister recently had a scary systemic episode. I haven't been bitten in 4-5 years, so I'm hoping my reaction would be less severe the next time I'm bit.
But. But. But... I can't resist the beauty of the outdoors! I have honeysuckle bushes at the entrance to my apartment and while they were blooming the scent collected at the top story to the entrance of my apartment. What a heavenly way to come home.
So, I modify how I interact with the outdoors. For example: these are photos taken at a local gardening store. Mmmmm....purty.
And I used to love to run...I'm hoping with my health stabilizing, I'll be able to return to walking and then eventually running again.
I have even done big outdoorsy things like a two-day-camp-in-tents-overnight canoe trip on the river between the border of Maine and Canada. And a one day trip climbing Mt. Katahdin in Maine which is one of the ends of the Appalachian trail. Those were my most adventurous outdoor activities, but I was on the coattails of true outdoorsy people. I think I have it in me, as my family likes to hike and camp. I like hiking. Camping...well, not as much, but I can be coerced into it. I bought a truck for that reason. I love rafting and have done some fun rafting trips with friends. But, in lieu of a group of outdoorsy friends, I'll hang with my artsy friends and stick to trails instead of tromping off into wild woods. Or wear wellies for foot protection. I don't know. But, it's SOOO pretty around here. I have visions of me being outdoorsy, but then the misery of Allergy Girl sets in an I modify or retreat, depending on the severity. Sigh. I'll figure it out.
But, I am Allergy Girl. (Picture red-nosed, red-rimmed eyes, and sensitive skin. If you must, you can add a cape, but no superpowers come with Allergy Girl except for sneezes that could blow a person away.) I have inherited "the best of" my parents allergies. From dad, I have been graced with all the pollen allergies. My mom, sinus and allergies to insects of all kinds.
Basic stories:
1) In my early twenties my hayfever and pollen allergies were at their height. I would sneeze my way through a box of family sized kleenex. (They started including lotion about this time...thank goodness, or I would be noseless to day.) These, have followed my dads pattern where we still have allergies, but not as severe as in our 20's.
2) I used to have a much worse reaction to mosquito bites. For example, on a camping trip in Alaska when I was 11, I had about 50 mosquito bites from Alaska sized mosquitos (that means they were the size of B-52 bombers) and welts to match. Weirdly, mosquitoes still cause an itch, but it's relatively minor compared to the way it used to be.
And now I live in the fertile south (legend has it that anything you plant will grow), I am inundated with all things pollen and mold. Also, the deep south is a bastion of all things poisonous (snakes, spiders).
I will sacrifice myself for the sake of art though.
Bee Butt, originally uploaded by Kanna Glass Studios.
This series of Firewheel photos taken in Texas were at the expense of my legs. I sacrificed them to a horde of chiggers. I spent maybe 30 minutes taking about 100 pictures from all angles of a patch of Firewheels. LOVE THESE WILDFLOWERS. Sadly, I had no clue I was standing in a wicked nest of them until the next day when I woke up with welts all over my legs. 300+. Yes. I counted. Because you need to dab a bit of nail polish or Chig-a-Rid on each bite to suffocate the little monsters that burrow into your skin. That was fun. (So not.) But, the photo results...well, the chigger bites are a distant memory and I LOVE the photo results. But, it does make me think twice about tromping off into the woods. Especially since we have copperheads. And water moccasins. And fire ants. And spiders. And alligators. Yeah, alligators. One of the places my parents camp has a sign before you cross a boardwalk across the swamp that says, "Don't feed the alligators." Um...if the boardwalk is the equivalent of an alligator smorgasboard, I'm thinking I'm going to avoid that boardwalk. I have no intention of feeding alligators.
And don't get me started on fire ants. Evil little beasts. They are actually NOT native to the southern US, but they are making their way north, bit by bit. They are actually native to Brazil and as they move north they decimate the local ant populations. And a single ant can bite you several times. The first time I was bit in Texas, my foot swelled abnormally. Each time I was bit, it was worse to the point that I was going to the ER for antibiotics and steriods as the reaction was close to cellulosis (skin infection that could become systemic). My sister recently had a scary systemic episode. I haven't been bitten in 4-5 years, so I'm hoping my reaction would be less severe the next time I'm bit.
But. But. But... I can't resist the beauty of the outdoors! I have honeysuckle bushes at the entrance to my apartment and while they were blooming the scent collected at the top story to the entrance of my apartment. What a heavenly way to come home.
So, I modify how I interact with the outdoors. For example: these are photos taken at a local gardening store. Mmmmm....purty.
And I used to love to run...I'm hoping with my health stabilizing, I'll be able to return to walking and then eventually running again.
I have even done big outdoorsy things like a two-day-camp-in-tents-overnight canoe trip on the river between the border of Maine and Canada. And a one day trip climbing Mt. Katahdin in Maine which is one of the ends of the Appalachian trail. Those were my most adventurous outdoor activities, but I was on the coattails of true outdoorsy people. I think I have it in me, as my family likes to hike and camp. I like hiking. Camping...well, not as much, but I can be coerced into it. I bought a truck for that reason. I love rafting and have done some fun rafting trips with friends. But, in lieu of a group of outdoorsy friends, I'll hang with my artsy friends and stick to trails instead of tromping off into wild woods. Or wear wellies for foot protection. I don't know. But, it's SOOO pretty around here. I have visions of me being outdoorsy, but then the misery of Allergy Girl sets in an I modify or retreat, depending on the severity. Sigh. I'll figure it out.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Studio Time: I'm perfecting my procrastination...
I have been working diligently on my procrastination projects, if you can't tell already from my blog silence. I seem to be perfecting my procrasination abilities too! I'll show you the projects another day, though, since I had already started this post and want to finish posting.
My parents love this video:
I totally get it. I definitely have a woman's brain... everything is related to each other. AND IT DOES NOT COME WITH AN OFF SWITCH. Or compartments.
So, I installed an off switch. Mmmm.... maybe a better phrase is a method of compartmentalization that mutes the buzzing in my head from a stressful day or week. I highly recommend 2,000 degrees of fire to make you focus on the "here and now" and not the "earlier in the day" or "tomorrow". (And no, I don't mean pointing it at your head... I prefer pointing it at glass.)
On the other hand, a brain that does not shut off often finds unique, creative ways to let items come together. For me, it's part of the creative process...letting random colors of glass land next to each other, or odd combinations of beads, fiber, chain, metal get laid in a mess on my work table. Creative epiphanies arise from that chaos. So I embrace it. I also have to learn to live with it. Sometimes living with something means installing the "off switch" or "compartments". Creativity currently is my off switch...and for particularly hairy, daily issues that my brain wants to obssess over, fire is the answer for me.
And in other news, I'm playing with pastels and experimenting with more generic photographic backgrounds (unlike my previous post). This version is in the blues that match my business cards.
And these are patinaed, fine silver charms. They are part of my Re-Blooming collection. I hand-carved my own "chintz" stamp, which is the texture of these small charms.
And on the subject of brains...I was re-reading some of my Hong Kong posts and figuring out how to recapture that humor I was able to concoct about my life in a foreign country. I'm in my home country now, so life is "normal" again. But, I still have a sense of humor somewhere. (I think it's still packed, ready to go off globe-trotting again. And currently that suitcase is lost in the black hole where socks and keys go.)
Meanwhile, I'm physically in South Carolina and mentally trying to lasso my imagination and humor back into my consolidated Kanna Glass Studios Jenn. I fear parts are still scattered around the globe (part of the reason for the procrastination). One statement hit me as I contemplated my first Hong Kong-erversary: I still take pictures like a tourist; I am a resident adventurer. Ya' know...I can do that here. I already do that here...take pictures like a tourist. I wander. I'm a resident. Now we just have to roust out that sense of humor and figure out how to put those puzzle pieces of me back together.
I started realizing what caused this "reverse culture shock" besides landing in the deep south. (BTW, deep south is not the reverse culture shock for me because I lived in Texas before. Yes. Two different states...different cultures... but, different in ways I've already adapted to.) The reverse culture shock comes from coming back to a place I'm used to...people drive on the right side of the road, there are big box stores, there is ice cream I like, and fruits and veggies I recognize. Even though I was getting used to Hong Kong, there was always a daily adventure. Well. I guess there is adventure...but, maybe it means taking some things out of my subconscious processing and looking at them from a different way. I find myself reacting to busines situations in a way I learned in Hong Kong (interesting retrospective there on that little point).
Putting the puzzle pieces back together of the Kanna Glass Jenn is where my theme for Re-Blooming arises from, since I still feel mentally scattered across the globe. My heart is still in Hong Kong, part of my heart is here in South Carolina where my family is. Parts of my heart are in Texas and Wisconsin where I have very good friends. I somehow expected to land in a place like Seattle or New Mexico or back in Texas. South Carolina was a surprise. Greenville, SC was a really pleasant surprise. It fits me in many, many ways and I find I'm beginning to recover my energy and health (to a certain extent) here, plus having a day job I like.
Writing is cathartic for me...everyday stressors and frizzlers still make my brain explode. But, I haven't yet learned to convert life that is ingrained into my subconscious into Funny Friday stories. Well, there I go. I just gave myself a challenge: instead of frizzling or exploding my brain, I'll challenge myself to turn it into something funny. I don't guarantee much wit to begin with. I'm going to have to start over on the story-telling... but, I've found I loved telling the stories...yet a another creative challenge for me. :-)
My parents love this video:
I totally get it. I definitely have a woman's brain... everything is related to each other. AND IT DOES NOT COME WITH AN OFF SWITCH. Or compartments.
So, I installed an off switch. Mmmm.... maybe a better phrase is a method of compartmentalization that mutes the buzzing in my head from a stressful day or week. I highly recommend 2,000 degrees of fire to make you focus on the "here and now" and not the "earlier in the day" or "tomorrow". (And no, I don't mean pointing it at your head... I prefer pointing it at glass.)
On the other hand, a brain that does not shut off often finds unique, creative ways to let items come together. For me, it's part of the creative process...letting random colors of glass land next to each other, or odd combinations of beads, fiber, chain, metal get laid in a mess on my work table. Creative epiphanies arise from that chaos. So I embrace it. I also have to learn to live with it. Sometimes living with something means installing the "off switch" or "compartments". Creativity currently is my off switch...and for particularly hairy, daily issues that my brain wants to obssess over, fire is the answer for me.
And in other news, I'm playing with pastels and experimenting with more generic photographic backgrounds (unlike my previous post). This version is in the blues that match my business cards.
And these are patinaed, fine silver charms. They are part of my Re-Blooming collection. I hand-carved my own "chintz" stamp, which is the texture of these small charms.
And on the subject of brains...I was re-reading some of my Hong Kong posts and figuring out how to recapture that humor I was able to concoct about my life in a foreign country. I'm in my home country now, so life is "normal" again. But, I still have a sense of humor somewhere. (I think it's still packed, ready to go off globe-trotting again. And currently that suitcase is lost in the black hole where socks and keys go.)
Meanwhile, I'm physically in South Carolina and mentally trying to lasso my imagination and humor back into my consolidated Kanna Glass Studios Jenn. I fear parts are still scattered around the globe (part of the reason for the procrastination). One statement hit me as I contemplated my first Hong Kong-erversary: I still take pictures like a tourist; I am a resident adventurer. Ya' know...I can do that here. I already do that here...take pictures like a tourist. I wander. I'm a resident. Now we just have to roust out that sense of humor and figure out how to put those puzzle pieces of me back together.
I started realizing what caused this "reverse culture shock" besides landing in the deep south. (BTW, deep south is not the reverse culture shock for me because I lived in Texas before. Yes. Two different states...different cultures... but, different in ways I've already adapted to.) The reverse culture shock comes from coming back to a place I'm used to...people drive on the right side of the road, there are big box stores, there is ice cream I like, and fruits and veggies I recognize. Even though I was getting used to Hong Kong, there was always a daily adventure. Well. I guess there is adventure...but, maybe it means taking some things out of my subconscious processing and looking at them from a different way. I find myself reacting to busines situations in a way I learned in Hong Kong (interesting retrospective there on that little point).
Putting the puzzle pieces back together of the Kanna Glass Jenn is where my theme for Re-Blooming arises from, since I still feel mentally scattered across the globe. My heart is still in Hong Kong, part of my heart is here in South Carolina where my family is. Parts of my heart are in Texas and Wisconsin where I have very good friends. I somehow expected to land in a place like Seattle or New Mexico or back in Texas. South Carolina was a surprise. Greenville, SC was a really pleasant surprise. It fits me in many, many ways and I find I'm beginning to recover my energy and health (to a certain extent) here, plus having a day job I like.
Writing is cathartic for me...everyday stressors and frizzlers still make my brain explode. But, I haven't yet learned to convert life that is ingrained into my subconscious into Funny Friday stories. Well, there I go. I just gave myself a challenge: instead of frizzling or exploding my brain, I'll challenge myself to turn it into something funny. I don't guarantee much wit to begin with. I'm going to have to start over on the story-telling... but, I've found I loved telling the stories...yet a another creative challenge for me. :-)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Artfully Meandering: Other creative pursuits
I bought pastels the other day. I have no good reason why. Just felt like it. I like colored pencils better at the moment. I did pastels in art class and I always had A's in art. Even though I graduated a year early in high school, I kept art and orchestra throughout high school. I think I felt it was important to maintain my creativity even though I didn't think it was "practical" at the time. So, this was my first drawing I've done in over 20 years in pastel. I was using my current designs with circles and florals.
I mainly wanted to try creating backgrounds for my jewelry for variety. I need to get some smaller canvases for the plainer backgrounds and thought I'd just play with the pastel. Although I don't think I'll use this as a background in general, it gives me some ideas to play with in the future.
In the meantime, here are some of my western pieces in patinaed silver and blue Halong Bay beads.
Some pretty brass beads from...wait for it, Hobby Lobby! I don't buy a lot of beads from Hobby Lobby, but these were quite appealing to me.
And I saved the best for last. One of my friends has THE cutest little boy. From my Low-Tech Silversmithing Class, I decided to make a mommy pendant. The pictures aren't good because I took them with my phone and couldn't wait for my good camera before I gave them to my friend. But, here is the back. The pendant is metal clay. I carved my own stamp in a faux "chintz" which is the design on the back. I made a bail and attached.
Then I made a rough bezel, dried it, shaped it, fired it, burnished it, patinaed it. Next, I shrank the photo to size, and sealed the picture in with resin. My first attempt at a mommy pendant was a bit "rustic" but the mom loved it. I think I'll make some grandma and mommy pendants for my sister and mom to continue to improve the technique before I release them into the wild. :-) They were fun to make!
I mainly wanted to try creating backgrounds for my jewelry for variety. I need to get some smaller canvases for the plainer backgrounds and thought I'd just play with the pastel. Although I don't think I'll use this as a background in general, it gives me some ideas to play with in the future.
In the meantime, here are some of my western pieces in patinaed silver and blue Halong Bay beads.
Some pretty brass beads from...wait for it, Hobby Lobby! I don't buy a lot of beads from Hobby Lobby, but these were quite appealing to me.
And I saved the best for last. One of my friends has THE cutest little boy. From my Low-Tech Silversmithing Class, I decided to make a mommy pendant. The pictures aren't good because I took them with my phone and couldn't wait for my good camera before I gave them to my friend. But, here is the back. The pendant is metal clay. I carved my own stamp in a faux "chintz" which is the design on the back. I made a bail and attached.
Then I made a rough bezel, dried it, shaped it, fired it, burnished it, patinaed it. Next, I shrank the photo to size, and sealed the picture in with resin. My first attempt at a mommy pendant was a bit "rustic" but the mom loved it. I think I'll make some grandma and mommy pendants for my sister and mom to continue to improve the technique before I release them into the wild. :-) They were fun to make!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Studio Time: Spring Deliciousness
Pink and green deliciousness bring spring to the mind and wearing it makes you live in Spring.
Re-blooming is what spring is all about...the dogwoods bloom, the cherry trees bloom. Sometimes we need to re-bloom. We get re-potted and re-planted in a new place and need to make the best of our new circumstances. I am re-blooming...I have been re-potted in South Carolina soil from Hong Kong... I am re-blooming.
Nearly 2 1/2" of spring deliciousness in handmade (by me!) lampwork beads in pink and green, with hand-textured "chintz" silver disc in silver clay (also made by me). Findings are in fine silver. For those who have allergies to sterling silver, give this silver a try...it's .999 pure! Patinaed for a bluish tint. Available in my Artfire store!
Re-blooming is what spring is all about...the dogwoods bloom, the cherry trees bloom. Sometimes we need to re-bloom. We get re-potted and re-planted in a new place and need to make the best of our new circumstances. I am re-blooming...I have been re-potted in South Carolina soil from Hong Kong... I am re-blooming.
Nearly 2 1/2" of spring deliciousness in handmade (by me!) lampwork beads in pink and green, with hand-textured "chintz" silver disc in silver clay (also made by me). Findings are in fine silver. For those who have allergies to sterling silver, give this silver a try...it's .999 pure! Patinaed for a bluish tint. Available in my Artfire store!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Artfully Meandering: Re-Blooming Bud Earrings
I made something! These are long and luscious. They are made of hammered copper posts and wrapped in fine silver headpins dangle with a white bud.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Artfully Meandering: A sample of things to come
A sample of things to come! I made a polymer stamp to imitate the dogwood. The picture is a little dark, but I'm so pleased with how they turned out. I wasn't as happy with the circles...I thought that would be easier! Heh...the flowers turned out (didn't expect that) and the rings didn't. I want to use Liver of Sulphur to highlight the details in the flowers.
More coming!
More coming!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Artfully Meandering: Blooming Everywhere - My Mother's Hobby
I do believe I get the majority of my creative genes from my mother. Yet, my dad is also a good photographer. We grew up with the idea of creating the majority of our own toys out of construction paper, tape, scissors, needle, thread, fabric, misc. discarded boxes, and a few "real" toys like Barbies. My mother is a paper-holic. So am I. But, she's very busy in volunteer work these days, so she has pruned her hobby to her most favorite...gardening. Embracing the south, she has endeavored to turn her southern home into a southern garden retreat, much like the gardens you would see in Charleston. I could...and did...spend hours taking pictures around the garden and learning my new camera. (Which, BTW, has me quite excited that I have the potential to take the photos I have dreamed of. I learned a bunch of features through practice. Now, I have to get the lighting down well.)
A table decoration.
The start of cosmos...
A rusty castle...
Morning glory??? My mom will have to tell me... (Edit: clematis. I have the best readers. Thank you, Kristin!)
On the stairs...
The fountain... now, I'm excited about these two photos because I learned the very cool trick of a slow shutter speed to let the moving water blur. I can't wait to try this effect on a waterfall.
The fountain taken at regular shutter speed.
Just a little eye candy to entertain while I'm working on the components for my "Re-Blooming" series.
A table decoration.
The start of cosmos...
A rusty castle...
Morning glory??? My mom will have to tell me... (Edit: clematis. I have the best readers. Thank you, Kristin!)
Their front entrance....
On the stairs...
The fountain... now, I'm excited about these two photos because I learned the very cool trick of a slow shutter speed to let the moving water blur. I can't wait to try this effect on a waterfall.
The fountain taken at regular shutter speed.
Just a little eye candy to entertain while I'm working on the components for my "Re-Blooming" series.